We are now into the second month of the legislative session and the legislature has completed 12 legislative days.  They will reconvene on Tuesday next week and will be in session through Friday. The House and Senate have agreed to an adjournment resolution setting the calendar for the remainder of this session (SR 132) which, if no changes are made, will end on March 30.

Notable legislative action this week includes Senate passage of the bill that extends the hospital bed tax (SB 70) and the craft brewing bill that allows more direct sales to consumers (SB 85).  The House Judiciary committee passed a bill to recreate the Judicial Qualifications Commission (HB 126), Rep. John Carson introduced a fuel tax break for airlines (HB 145), and the Medical Cannabis Working Group held its first meeting.

In other news, Senator Josh McKoon (R-Columbus) announced that he will finish his current term that ends in 2018 but will not run for reelection.

The House Appropriations subcommittees have been holding hearings and working on the FY 2018 budget all week.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact any of us if you have questions or need information on any legislative issue. All bills can be found on the state’s legislative web site, and live action can be watched in the House and Senate chambers when they are in session.